Argentina scraps satellite plan

By Chris Forrester

March 31, 2016

Argentina is cancelling its Arsat-3 satellite programme. The decision, reported locally in the El Cronista newspaper, quoted comments from the CEO of satellite operator Arsat, Rodrigo de Loredo, who blamed the lack of revenues flowing from the country’s existing Arsat-2 craft.

Earlier in March the satellite operator said it was conducting a review of the new project, saying that any new satellite had to be self-funding.

In anticipation of a future launch Arsat signed a contract in October 2015 with French rocket launch company Arianspace with options for two future launches (for 2019/2020-2023).

Arsat-3 is currently being built by Argentina’s government-owned INVAP, and was destined to orbit at 81 degrees West.